Senior Year - Preparing for College

As a high school senior, you are likely looking forward to spring break, graduation, and of course college! While your senior year is a time of celebration and making memories, it can also be stressful as you look ahead to your college journey. By now you have applied to your top choice colleges and should be receiving acceptance and financial aid information soon. So what’s next?

Reviewing Financial Aid Packages

For many students and families, the amount of financial aid received from a college will play a big role in deciding which school to attend. Award letters can be confusing and you want to be sure you fully understand what is being offered and what your options are. Check out our post about deciphering award letters and the accompanying webinar recording to learn more.

Your Options for Student Loans

Often the financial aid awarded by your college will not be enough to cover all of your higher education expenses. Then where do you turn? First you should explore options for what we consider “free money” for college – scholarships and grants. These awards do not have to be repaid (assuming you meet any conditions outlined).

Next up are federal student loans. These are typically offered within your award letter from your college. Read more about types of federal aid here.

Finally, you will want to review your options for private student loans, such as those offered through our credit union. These loans can help fill the gaps left once you have exhausted other means of paying for your education.

If you need help deciding how to pay for college, we can help! Our College Access Counselor offers free advice for all of your financial aid questions. You can also review our past webinars on topics such as finding scholarships, student loans, award letters, and more.

The next stage of your life is a big one, but you don't have to navigate it alone!